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Backwoods Snowshoe Wine Tasting

It is often said that if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Snowshoeing allows you to experience a normal day of hiking in a new and different way. Winter transforms your surroundings into something serene and placid. The crunching of snow under your snowshoes, the stillness of the air in a landscape covered by a blanket of untouched snow give the great outdoors an unspoiled feel. Lack of summertime humidity gives clearer, bluer skies in winter providing more extensive, long range views from atop outlooks than are obtainable at any other time of year.

Come explore a winter wonderland as we venture out to the awesome network of trails in one of the many great state parks in NY and NJ. Like Harriman State Park for example, one of the largest and closest parks to NYC, Harriman is a retreat for outdoor enthusiasts with over 220 miles of trails. The park is also known for its 32 lakes, cascading streams, numerous old iron mines, varied terrain and fantastic scenery. Other parks we may visit includes Catskills State Park, Wawayanda State Park, Minnewaska State Park and Black Rock Forest Preserve.

Snowshoeing offers a fantastic way to get in shape during the colder months of winter. The snowshoes themselves permit you to travel easily by staying on top of the snow without sinking in or “postholing” allowing you to go places with ease. We will snowshoe for about 4 hours on a combination of old woods roads and rugged narrow hiking paths. We will have plenty of stops along the way to take in our environment including a great spot to enjoy our picnic lunch. After a full day of exploring outside we will kickback and relax at a great local vineyard along the celebrated Shawangunk Wine Trail and sample some of their fine wines. Trip includes all snowshoe rental equipment, transportation costs, licensed guide, basic instruction, park fees, continental breakfast, picnic lunch and wine tasting.

About winter trips – We carefully keep tabs on the weather forecast and prevailing snow conditions for each trip. You will be notified in advance if we believe existing conditions are likely to comprise the quality of the trip (lack of snow, severe weather forecast, etc). In this instance we will do everything possible to accommodate our guests: reschedule to a new date, change venues, or modify trip.

All trip details and final trip itinerary will be e-mailed to all registered guests the week of the trip date.

Trip Dates: Winter 2014-2015

Departure: 7:45 a.m. (approximately) – 8th Avenue between W31st and W33rd streets - on the steps of the US Post Office.

Return: 6:30 p.m. (approximately)

Trip Rating: Moderate/Intermediate – We will snowshoe for approximately 3 hours and cover varied terrain with moderate short climbs/descents. (learn more)

What to Bring: Dress appropriately for the season and in layers - this means have the ability to take tops on/off as needed to keep you comfortable. Wear comfortable clothing that is warm and wicking - polypropylene, wool, fleece, coolmax, etc – No Cotton! We recommend long underwear underneath and waterproof or water resistant outerwear. Wear at least one pair of thick ski/hiking socks or two thinner pairs that are warm and wicking – No Cotton! Footwear is very important – boots/hiking shoes are necessary – no sneakers! Wear a warm hat and gloves. Chemical hand/foot warmers are a good idea as well (they are cheap and can be found at sporting goods and major department stores). Bring a backpack/daypack to carry your stuff – extra fleece/rain jacket, extra socks, water, extra snacks, camera, etc. If you are not sure, bring more clothing than you think you need – extra items can be left in the van.